🌱 Teen Introduces The Conversation Game + Emergency Weather Alerts

Hello, neighbors. I'm here right on time with your fresh copy of the Sandy Springs Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Sun mixing with clouds. High: 48 Low: 32.

Business owners and marketers in Sandy Springs: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top stories today in Sandy Springs:

1. Sandy Springs teenager Addison Vogt is launching her very own Kickstarter campaign for her new game that's designed to help teenagers connect with each other. Vogt's inspiration for "The Conversation Game" comes from her own battle with isolation and her curiosity about how others are affected in her age group. For more information on the game or to donate, you can visit kickstarter.com. (MDJOnline.com)
2. HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) GO premiered the award-winning indie film "Freedom's Path" last night at AMC Camp Creek 14 down the road in Atlanta. The premiere was supported by Black Millionaires and hosted by James Hill. Along with the film's release, HBCU GO is launching its community initiative attempting to gain more funding for these HBCU higher learning institutions. A portion of February ticket sales will be donated directly to HBCUs that support the arts. (WCLK)
3. Fulton County will be testing its emergency alerts this week to prepare for severe weather in the future. After being struck with so many tornadoes in the last month, Fulton County has decided to participate in Severe Weather Preparedness Week to help support its residents. From Monday through Friday, Fulton County will be sending out alerts for different severe weather situations — such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, lightning, and flood warnings — in an attempt to better prepare residents for the worst. (11Alive.com WXIA)

Today in and around Sandy Springs:

• Atlanta Oyster Festival At Atlantic Station Event Space, Atlanta (1:00 PM)
• Live Music - Will Scruggs Trio At Rays On The River (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• After a recent closure, all the lanes on 285 Eastbound were officially back and open for travel as of yesterday morning. (Sandy Springs Police via Facebook)
• Owner of TURN Studio, Ashley Johnson will be the speaker at the Perimeter Chamber's luncheon Tuesday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ashley aims to inspire individuals and teams to stand out rather than fit in. (Sandy Springs Perimeter Chamber via Facebook)
• Early Friday morning, police responded to a shooting in Buckhead that sent a man and a juvenile boy to the hospital. As of Friday evening, no information has yet to be released about what led to the shooting or any current suspects. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Atlanta Academy — (Visit website)

Events:

• “Big Psychic Fair” this weekend February 4-5, 2023 (February 4)
• The Transition Network (February 8)
• Sandy Springs Conservancy Trail Blazers at Lost Corner Preserve (February 11)
• Crossing Over With Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (February 23)

Gigs & services:

• Masonry repairs (Details)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be in your inbox Monday morning with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.